scholarly journals Evaluation of Health Effect of Some Selected Heavy Metals in Maize Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
L. A. Saulawa ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Moderate Risk

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in maize cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated maize in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards and asses the health risks to the local consumers. Samples of cultivated maize were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas.  Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR).  Results from this study have shown that with the exception of the heavy metal Pb the concentration values of Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn and Zn in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have also indicated that the estimated daily intake of the heavy metals was lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all samples. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children.. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd, for all the samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the hazard index (HI < 1) with highest in the sample from Dabai and lowest in the sample from Funtua. In adults the ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) in all the studied samples, while the ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for the sample from Kafur which is above the limit (>10−2). In children ILCR for Cd in all samples and Pb for samples from Birchi, Katsina and Malunfashi has reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai, Funtua and Kafur is above the limit (>10−2). The trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied maize samples showed: Kafur> Dabai > Funtua> Malunfashi > Katsina. Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in adults of all the studied maize samples reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) except for sample from Kafur which is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). While the cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) in children of all the studied maize samples is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2) except for sample from Katsina which is within the moderate risk limit (>10−3). Among all the studied samples maize sample from Kafur has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 1.297980 × 10−2 in adults, 1.510018 × 10−2 in children) and sample from Katsina has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 1.68603093 × 10−3 in adults, 7.775840 × 10−3 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied maize samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden. 

scholarly journals Health Risk Assessment for Carcinogenic and Non Carcinogenic Heavy Metal Exposure from Hibiscus Leaf Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Mean Concentration

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Hibiscus leaves cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Hibiscus leaves in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated Hibiscus leaves were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area.  Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks for the adult and children population through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals in the samples was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study shows that with the exception of Pb with mean concentration of (0.508-0.978), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.135-0.261), Cd (0.042-0.051), Fe (0.684-0.978) and Zn (1.048-1.208) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in both samples and the health risk index (HRI) for all the heavy metals were <1. The target hazard quotient (THQ) for the samples for both the adult and children population was in the decreasing order of Zn>Pb>Fe>Cr>Cd. ILCR for Cd is below the threshold risk limit (>10−5) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi were beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed: Funtua > Daura > Dutsinma > Katsina > Malunfashi > Matazu > Zango > Ingawa > Kafur > Dabai > Birchi for both adult and children, cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied Hibiscus samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adult. While in children with the exception of the sample from Birchi, Dabai and Kafur which are within the moderate cancer risk (>10−3) limit, all other samples were beyond the moderate cancer risk (>10−2) limit. The study suggests that consumption of the studied samples in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden. 

scholarly journals Health Risk Assessment for Carcinogenic and Non-carcinogenic Heavy Metal Exposures from Pepper Fruits Cultivated In Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
S. S. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Cancer Risks ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Adults And Children ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Pepper Sample

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in pepper fruits cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated pepper fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of the pepper fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected area. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient. The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk. Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.200-1.333 mg/kg), the mean concentration range (mg/kg) values of Fe (0.901-0.967), Zn (0.899-0.911), Mn (0.250-0.287), Cd (0.053-0.0556) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. With the heavy metals Cr and Ni being below detection level (BDL) The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the pepper fruits respectively. The sequence of risk was the same for both adults and children although the children had higher THQ values in all cases. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Funtua senatorial zone > Daura senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children. The Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied pepper fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). Among all the studied samples, pepper sample from Funtua senatorial zone has the highest chances of cancer risks (ILCR 6.863273 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.715815 × 10−2 in children) and pepper sample from Katsina senatorial zone has the lowest chances of cancer risk (ILCR 6.260100 × 10−3 in adults; ILCR 1.565025 × 10−2 in children). The study suggests that consumption of the studied pepper fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

scholarly journals Heavy Metal Burden and Evaluation of Human Health Risks in Tomato Fruits Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
M. Bala ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Tomato Fruits ◽  
The Mean

This study was conducted to determine the heavy metals concentration in Tomato fruits cultivated in Katsina State Nigeria. The objectives were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals in the cultivated Tomato fruits in the study area, compare the concentration of heavy metals in samples in relation to the permissible limits specified by WHO/FAO/USEPA Standards. Samples of cultivated tomato fruits were collected in the year 2017 from the selected areas. Analysis for the concentration of these heavy metals; Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn was conducted by the use of AAS (by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry) method. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the samples were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ). The possibility of cancer risks in the samples through intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR). Results from this study has shown that with the exception of the mean values for the heavy metal Pb (1.171–1.21 mg/kg), the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Zn (0.558- 1.851), Fe (0.880–1.181), Mn (0.458-0.671) and Cd (0.054-0.062) were below the WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The results have indicated that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of the heavy metals were lower than the tolerable daily intake limit set by the USEPA in all the samples. All the studied tomato fruits showed the risk level (HI < 1). Risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples were in the decreasing order Mn>Zn>Pb>Fe>Cd, for all the tomato fruits respectively. ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb and Cd violated the risk. The sampling area trend of risk for developing cancer as a result of consuming the studied samples showed in decreasing order: Daura senatorial zone > Funtua senatorial zone> Katsina senatorial zone for both adult and children.  Cumulative cancer risk (∑ILCR) of all the studied tomato fruits reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in adults, while in children it is above the moderate risk limit (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of the studied tomato fruits in Katsina state is of public health concern as they may contribute to the population cancer burden.

scholarly journals Concentrations and Risk Evaluation of Selected Heavy Metals in Amaranthus (L.) Leaf Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-12
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
North West

Bioaccumulation of seven heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in  Amaranthus leaf cultivated in Katsina state Nigeria were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. The health risks to the local inhabitants from the consumption of the Amaranthus leaf were evaluated based on the Target Hazard Quotient. The possibility of cancer risks in the Amaranthus (L.) leaf through the intake of carcinogenic heavy metals was estimated using the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk. The target hazard quotient was (THQ)>1, indicating that the Amaranthus leaf cultivated may pose a non-carcinogenic risk for all the studied metals. Hazard index (HI) was low. The incremental cancer risk (ILCR) for Cd  violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for both Pb in samples from Dabai, Daura, Funtua, Matazu and Zango and Cd for all samples have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in samples from Birchi, Dutsinma, Kafur, Katsina and Malunfashi are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The study suggests that consumption of Amaranthus leaf cultivated in Katsina may contribute to the population cancer burden.

ASSESSMENT OF LEVELS AND HEALTH RISKS OF TRACE METALS IN SOILS AND SOME FOOD CROPS CULTIVATED IN FARMS AROUND ENYIGBA MINING SITES, EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Obasi UCHE Orji ◽  
Udu Ama Ibiam ◽  
Nonso Joshua Awoke ◽  
Otuomasirichi Divine Obasi ◽  
Anayo Joseph Uraku ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Metal Extraction ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Food Crops ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Mining Sites

Mining is one of the major sources of heavy metals in most developing countries and this has become a major health concern to the populace due to the possibility of food contamination with these heavy metals. We investigated the levels of titanium (Ti), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), rubidium (Rb), strontium (Sr), selenium (Se), niobium (Nb) and vanadium (V) in 64 soil and  320 samples of regularly consumed staple food crops and vegetables (cassava tubers, white yam, groundnut seed, fluted pumpkin leaf and Z. zanthoxyloides from farms around Enyigba mining sites in Ebonyi State and the possible health risks due to consumption of these staple foods. Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used in determination of the metals in the samples respectively. The mean levels of the metals except Mn, Pb and Zn were below the threshold limits for agricultural soils. Our data also showed that food crops cultivated around this sites bio-accumulated toxic levels of these metals above the recommended legal limits set by WHO, NAFDAC and CODEX especially Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Se, and Rb. This perhaps may have potential health implication on the local dwellers. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of the toxic metals through the consumption of the crop samples were below the maximum tolerable daily intake (MTDI) except lead and nickel by eating of groundnut, cassava and yam. Furthermore, the target hazard quotient (THQ), computed based on EDI of the heavy metals were above unity for the metals due to cassava, yam and groundnut consumption, suggesting significant health risk. Raised amounts of heavy metal in cassava and groundnut samples as revealed by their metal extraction coefficient computed in this study hint that they may be used as bio-indicators of ecological, health hazards and phytoremediators of Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb.

scholarly journals Potential Human Health Risks Assessment through Determination of Heavy Metal Contents in Regularly Consumed Yogurts in Bangladesh

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 603-610
Author(s):  
GMM Anwarul Hasan ◽  
Mohammed A. Satter ◽  
Anuj Kumer Das
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Metal Contents ◽  
Health Risks Assessment ◽  
Risks Assessment

This study estimated the concentrations of heavy metals in regularly consumed sour, sweet and homemade traditional yogurts in Bangladesh. A total of 300 yogurt samples (sour, sweet and homemade traditional); 100 yogurt samples of each category were considered for this assay. To assess the health risks, the daily yogurt consumption rate and the value of target carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks of these yogurt samples were also determined. In sour yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.398±0.121 mg/kg, 0.774±0.372 mg/kg, 0.087±0.021 mg/kg, 0.131±0.026 mg/kg, 0.011±0.006 mg/kg, 0.031±0.005 mg/kg, 0.445±0.267 mg/kg and 0.029±0.024 mg/kg while in sweet yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.146 mg/kg, 0.704±0.324 mg/kg, 0.082±0.028 mg/kg, 0.146±0.025 mg/kg, 0.010±0.005 mg/kg, 0.030±0.007 mg/kg, 0.460±0.265 mg/kg, and 0.035±0.026 mg/kg and in homemade traditional yogurt samples, detected heavy metal contents were 0.410±0.147 mg/kg, 1.502±0.367 mg/kg, 0.085±0.020 mg/kg, 0.120±0.024 mg/kg, 0.011±0.005 mg/kg, 0.020±0.005 mg/kg, 0.251±0.174 mg/kg and 0.025±0.021 mg/Kg for Iron (Fe), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr) and Arsenic (As) respectively. Among the analyzed heavy metals, highest concentration of Cu and lowest concentration of Pb was detected in all yogurt types. The values of estimated daily intake (EDI), Target hazard quotient (THQ), Total THQ (TTHQ) and Target Carcinogenic risk (TCR) confirmed that, there have no chances of any kind of carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from these yogurt samples.

scholarly journals Related health risk assessment of exposure to arsenic and some heavy metals in gold mines in Banmauk Township, Myanmar

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pokkate Wongsasuluk ◽  
Aung Zaw Tun ◽  
Srilert Chotpantarat ◽  
Wattasit Siriwong
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Cancer Risk ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Environmental Protection Agency ◽  
Gold Mining ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Cancer Risks

AbstractExposure to heavy metals in mining activities is a health issue among miners. This study was carried out at three small-scale gold mining sites situated in Banmauk Township, Myanmar and aims to assess the occupational health risks of small-scale gold miners who are exposed to arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in the soil through the dermal route. Soil samples were analyzed through atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The concentrations of the heavy metals in soils found As, ranged 1.04 mg/kg to 22.17 mg/kg, 0.13 mg/kg to 3.07 mg/kg for Cd, 0.15 mg/kg to 77.44 mg/kg for Hg, and 7.67 mg/kg to 210.00 mg/kg for Pb. In this study, 79% of the participants did not use any form of personal protective equipment (PPE) while working in gold mining processes. Regarding noncancer risk assessment, the results found all hazard quotient were lower than acceptable level (HQ < 1). In addition, all hazard index (HI) was lover than 1, the highest HI was found as 5.66 × 10−1 in the amalgamation process. On the other hand, the result found cancer risk ranged from 8.02 × 10−8 to 1.75 × 10−6, and the estimated cancer risks for 9 years ranged from 4.78 × 10−7 to 1.04 × 10−5. Therefore, the cancer risks of the miners were greater than the United State Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) acceptable cancer risk level, 1 × 10−6, and the miners may be at risk of developing carcinogenic diseases. The suggestion is to educate miners about the health risks of heavy metals and to encourage the use of proper PPE all the time while working in gold mine.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals Health Risk Assessment through Consumption of Baobab Leaf Cultivated in Katsina State, North West Nigeria

2019 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
A. I. Yaradua ◽  
A. J. Alhassan ◽  
A. Nasir ◽  
K. I. Matazu ◽  
A. Usman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Target Hazard Quotient ◽  
Moderate Risk ◽  
Leaf Sample ◽  
Lifetime Cancer Risk ◽  
North West

Vegetables play important roles in human nutrition and health. They can also contain some undesirable components that can be harmful, e.g.  Pesticides and heavy metals. The objectives of the study were mainly to detect the presence of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb and Zn) in sampled Baobab leaf in Katsina state Nigeria and assessed the human health risks associated with the consumption of the Baobab leaves. The content of these metals was assayed by the AAS method. The health risk to the local inhabitants was evaluated by estimating daily heavy metal intake and computing the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) for cancer and non-cancer risks. The results were compared with the safety standards established by the WHO/FAO and USEPA. With the exception of the heavy metal Pb (0.526-0.981) the mean concentration (mg/kg) range values of Cr (0.116-0.352), Cd (0.041-0.054), Fe (1.016-1.951) and Zn (0.940-1.229) in the samples were generally lower than the USEPA, WHO/FAO maximum permissive limits. The risk level of Target Hazard Quotient (THQ < 1) was observed for all the evaluated heavy metals for both adults and children. The THQ for the samples was in the decreasing order Zn>Fe>Pb>Cr>Cd, for all the baobab leaf samples respectively. All the studied samples showed the risk level (HI < 1). ILCR for Cd violated the threshold risk limit (>10−4) and ILCR for Pb reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3) for cancer in all the studied samples in adults, While in children ILCR for Pb in samples from Dabai and Daura have reached the moderate risk limit (>10−3), while the ILCR for Pb in rest of the samples and ILCR for Cd of all the samples are beyond the moderate risk level (>10−2). The consumption of the Baobab leaf sample may contribute to the population cancer burden.

scholarly journals Consumption of Raw Herbal Medicines Is Associated with Major Public Health Risks amongst Ugandans

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Fred Ssempijja ◽  
Keneth Iceland Kasozi ◽  
Ejike Daniel Eze ◽  
Andrew Tamale ◽  
Sylvia Anurika Ewuzie ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health Risks ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Herbal Medicines ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Vernonia Amygdalina ◽  
Increased Risk

Background. Community consumption of herbal plants in developing countries is a common practice, however, scarcity of information on their physiochemical composition is a major public health concern. In Uganda, Vernonia amygdalina is of interest in rural communities due to its therapeutical action on both bacterial and protozoal parasites, however no studies have been conducted to assess the heavy metal concentrations in traditional plants used in alternative medicine. The aim of the study was to establish concentrations of heavy metals in Vernonia amygdalina, model the estimated daily intake (EDI), and assess both the non-cancer-related health risk using the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the risk related to cancer through the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for the Ugandan population. Methods. Leaves of Vernonia amygdalina were collected from 20 georeferenced villages and processed into powder in the laboratory using standard methods. These were then analyzed in the laboratory using an atomic absorption spectrometer for lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cobalt (Co), iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd), and nickel (Ni). Concentrations were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) limits. The EDI, THQ, and ILCR were modelled and significance was measured at 95% confidence. Results. The study showed that mean ± SEM concentrations of heavy metals were highest in the order of Cr, 121.8 ± 4.291 ppm > Ni, 84.09 ± 2.725 ppm > Zn, 53.87 ± 2.277 ppm > Pb, 40.61 ± 3.891 ppm > Cu, 28.75 ± 2.202 ppm > Fe, 14.15 ± 0.7271 ppm > Co, 7.923 ± 0.7674 ppm > Cd, 0.1163 ± 0.005714 ppm. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, and Ni were significantly higher than the WHO limits. The EDI was significantly higher in children than in adults, demonstrating an increased risk of toxicity in children. The THQ and ILCR were over 1000 times higher in all Ugandans, demonstrating the undesirable health risks following oral consumption of Vernonia amygdalina due to very high Cr and Ni toxicities, respectively. Conclusion. Consumption of raw Vernonia amygdalina was associated with a high carcinogenic risk, demonstrating a need to enact policies to promote physiochemical screening of herbal medicines used in developing countries against toxic compounds.

scholarly journals Safety Evaluation of Potential Toxic Metals Exposure from Street Foods Consumed in Mid-West Nigeria

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
O. C. Ekhator ◽  
N. A. Udowelle ◽  
S. Igbiri ◽  
R. N. Asomugha ◽  
Z. N. Igweze ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Toxic Metals ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Daily Intake ◽  
Hazard Index ◽  
Toxic Metal ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Risk Level ◽  
Potential Health ◽  
Street Food

Objective. Street-vended foods offer numerous advantages to food security; nevertheless, the safety of street food should be considered. This study has investigated the level of potential toxic metal (Pb, Cd, Hg, Sb, Mn, and Al) contamination among street-vended foods in Benin City and Umunede. Methods. Twenty street food samples were purchased from vendors at bus stops. Metals were analyzed with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The methods developed by the US EPA were employed to evaluate the potential health risk of toxic metals. Results. The concentrations of the toxic metals in mg/kg were in the range of Pb (0.014–1.37), Cd (0.00–0.00017), Hg (0.00–0.00014), Sb (0.00–0.021), Mn (0.00–0.012), and Al (0.00–0.22). All the toxic metals except Pb were below permissible limit set by WHO, EU, and USEPA. The daily intake, hazard quotient, and hazard index of all toxic metals except for Pb in some street foods were below the tolerable daily intake and threshold value of 1, indicating an insignificant health risk. Total cancer risk was within the priority risk level of 1.0E-04 but higher than the acceptable risk level of 1E-06. Conclusion. Consumption of some of these street foods is of public health concern.

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